Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Yvette Cooper
Foreign Secretary

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
Calum Miller (LD - Bicester and Woodstock)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)

Conservative
Priti Patel (Con - Witham)
Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)
Green Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Callanan (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Wendy Morton (Con - Aldridge-Brownhills)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Alec Shelbrooke (Con - Wetherby and Easingwold)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
Ministers of State
Stephen Doughty (LAB - Cardiff South and Penarth)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Hamish Falconer (Lab - Lincoln)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Seema Malhotra (LAB - Feltham and Heston)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Chris Elmore (Lab - Bridgend)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Monday 19th January 2026
Proposed Chinese Embassy
Urgent Question
Select Committee Docs
Tuesday 20th January 2026
15:20
Select Committee Inquiry
Thursday 27th March 2025
The UK Government’s China Audit

Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …

Written Answers
Tuesday 20th January 2026
NATO Countries: Sovereignty
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to support …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 8th January 2026
Caribbean Development Bank (Eleventh Replenishment of the Special Development Fund (Unified)) Order 2026
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the Caribbean Development …
Bills
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill 2024-26
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under …
Dept. Publications
Tuesday 20th January 2026
16:29

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Dec. 02
Oral Questions
Jan. 19
Urgent Questions
Jan. 13
Written Statements
Jan. 14
Westminster Hall
Jan. 13
Adjournment Debate
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Secondary Legislation

This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the Caribbean Development Bank (the “Bank”) of sums not exceeding £21 million as a contribution to the Eleventh Replenishment of the Special Development Fund (Unified) (the “Fund”). The payments approved by this Order will be made pursuant to the Resolution adopted by the contributors to the Fund on 14th March 2025. The Order also provides for the redemption of non-interest-bearing and non-negotiable notes issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to arrangements between the Government and the Bank.
These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13) to amend the Central African Republic (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/616) (“the CAR Regulations”). These amendments are being made to ensure compliance with the UK’s UN obligations, specifically to ensure changes made by the UN Security Resolution 2745 (2024) (as extended by Resolution 2789 (2025)), in relation to the Central African Republic, are reflected.
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

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Petition Debates Contributed
198,966
Petition Closed
28 Jul 2025
closed 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Act to ensure deliverer of fuel, food, aid, life saving services etc. We think this shouldn't be dependant/on condition of Israeli facilitation as the Knesset voted against UNWRA access to Gaza. We think if military delivery of aid, airdrops, peacekeepers etc, are needed, then all be considered.

View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Foreign Affairs Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Emily Thornberry Portrait
Emily Thornberry (Labour - Islington South and Finsbury)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th September 2024
John Whittingdale Portrait
John Whittingdale (Conservative - Maldon)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Abtisam Mohamed Portrait
Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Uma Kumaran Portrait
Uma Kumaran (Labour - Stratford and Bow)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Dan Carden Portrait
Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool Walton)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Aphra Brandreth Portrait
Aphra Brandreth (Conservative - Chester South and Eddisbury)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Edward Morello Portrait
Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Richard Foord Portrait
Richard Foord (Liberal Democrat - Honiton and Sidmouth)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Phil Brickell Portrait
Phil Brickell (Labour - Bolton West)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Alex Ballinger Portrait
Alex Ballinger (Labour - Halesowen)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Fleur Anderson Portrait
Fleur Anderson (Labour - Putney)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Foreign Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
Lebanon: next steps
27 Jan 2026, 1:30 p.m.
At 2:00pm: Oral evidence
Dr Lina Khatib - Associate Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House
Chris Doyle - Director at Council for Arab British Understanding (Caabu)
Daniel Levy - President at US-Middle East Project

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Environmental diplomacy The Myanmar crisis Coronavirus: FCDO response The UK and Iran The FCDO and the Integrated Review The FCO's human rights work in 2013 Gibraltar The UK's relations with Hong Kong: 30 years after the Joint Declaration FCO performance and finances 2013-14 Hong Kong Russia and Ukraine Overseas Territories FCO consular services UK policy towards Iran UK Government policy on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq The future of the BBC World Service Developments in Libya The fight against ISIL: the UK's role inquiry FCO budget and capacity inquiry Libya: Examination of intervention and collapse and the UK's future policy options inquiry Costs and benefits of EU membership for the UK's role in the world inquiry Foreign policy developments Progress of the Iraq Inquiry British Foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring': follow-up Appointment of Lord Hill of Oareford to the European Commission Hong Kong: China's ban on the Committee's visit Government foreign policy towards the United States Foreign and Commonwealth Office performance and finances 2012-13 Departmental Annual Report 2010-11 FCO Public Diplomacy: The Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 FCO's Human Rights Work 2010-11 Overseas Territories British foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring' FCO's human rights work in 2011 The future of the European Union: UK Government policy The role and future of the Commonwealth UK's relations with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain The UK's response to extremism and political instability in North and West Africa The UK’s influence in the UN inquiry The UK’s response to hurricanes in its Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain inquiry The Commonwealth Summit inquiry Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention inquiry Russian corruption and the UK inquiry Session with Minister of State for Africa inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Human Rights Work inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s preparations for the World Cup inquiry The Western Balkans inquiry The future of the UK Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain and India inquiry Global Britain: FCO skills inquiry The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and South America inquiry Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 inquiry Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration inquiry The World Food Programme inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom inquiry Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy inquiry FCO secure communications and handling of classified information inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe - follow up inquiry Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa inquiry Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders inquiry The Caucasus inquiry The UK and Iran’s regional role inquiry Economic foreign policy inquiry The UK’s policy towards the Middle East Peace Process inquiry UK relations with China inquiry The FCO policy on arms exports inquiry Evidence from HE Lord Llewellyn of Steep on his appointment as HM Ambassador to Paris inquiry Resignation of Lord Hill of Oareford from the European Commission inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and Annual Report 2015-16 inquiry Violence in Rakhine State inquiry China and the international rules-based system inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2016-17 Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary Kurdish aspirations and the interests of the UK inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe inquiry Political Islam inquiry UK's relations with Russia inquiry Human rights inquiry The future operations of BBC monitoring inquiry Human Rights: Annual review of the work of the FCO inquiry UK's relations with Turkey inquiry Implications of leaving the EU for the UK's role in the world inquiry The UK’s role in strengthening multilateral organisations FCO-DFID merger Xinjiang detention camps Global health security Update to the UK's Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Critical minerals Western Balkans The UK’s engagement in Central Asia The UK’s international counter-terrorism policy The UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa International relations within the multilateral system The BBC World Service: Is Britain Losing its Soft Power? Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict The work of the British Council Soft power: a strategy for UK success? Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy The UK’s sanctions strategy The UK-EU reset: rebuilding a strategic partnership in uncertain times The UK at the United Nations Security Council The UK Government’s China Audit Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe- follow up inquiry China and the international rules-based system Economic foreign policy Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom FCO secure communications and handling of classified information Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders Global Britain and South America Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and India The future of the UK Overseas Territories Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary The UK’s influence in the UN Session with Minister of State for Africa Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention The Caucasus The UK and Iran’s regional role The World Food Programme

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that UK Official Development Assistance reaches those most in need.

In the set of questions submitted by the Hon Member on 12 January (UIN 105089-91 and 105093-95), she mentioned a number of important elements of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO's) humanitarian and development programmes, all of which are key priorities for the Government, including our work on conflict prevention and resolution, crisis resilience, support for children in conflict zones, and the fights against global malnutrition and climate change.

We provide regular updates to the House on the work we are doing in different regions towards these goals, as well as our joint international efforts through the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. The Hon Member can also find a copy of the FCDO's current humanitarian framework at the link below, which gives a good overview of our approach in all these areas: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-humanitarian-framework/uk-humanitarian-framework.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to promote the rights and well-being of children in conflict zones.

In the set of questions submitted by the Hon Member on 12 January (UIN 105089-91 and 105093-95), she mentioned a number of important elements of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO's) humanitarian and development programmes, all of which are key priorities for the Government, including our work on conflict prevention and resolution, crisis resilience, support for children in conflict zones, and the fights against global malnutrition and climate change.

We provide regular updates to the House on the work we are doing in different regions towards these goals, as well as our joint international efforts through the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. The Hon Member can also find a copy of the FCDO's current humanitarian framework at the link below, which gives a good overview of our approach in all these areas: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-humanitarian-framework/uk-humanitarian-framework.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with international partners to (a) anticipate and (b) pre-emptively mitigate humanitarian crises.

In the set of questions submitted by the Hon Member on 12 January (UIN 105089-91 and 105093-95), she mentioned a number of important elements of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO's) humanitarian and development programmes, all of which are key priorities for the Government, including our work on conflict prevention and resolution, crisis resilience, support for children in conflict zones, and the fights against global malnutrition and climate change.

We provide regular updates to the House on the work we are doing in different regions towards these goals, as well as our joint international efforts through the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. The Hon Member can also find a copy of the FCDO's current humanitarian framework at the link below, which gives a good overview of our approach in all these areas: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-humanitarian-framework/uk-humanitarian-framework.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to tackle global malnutrition.

In the set of questions submitted by the Hon Member on 12 January (UIN 105089-91 and 105093-95), she mentioned a number of important elements of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO's) humanitarian and development programmes, all of which are key priorities for the Government, including our work on conflict prevention and resolution, crisis resilience, support for children in conflict zones, and the fights against global malnutrition and climate change.

We provide regular updates to the House on the work we are doing in different regions towards these goals, as well as our joint international efforts through the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. The Hon Member can also find a copy of the FCDO's current humanitarian framework at the link below, which gives a good overview of our approach in all these areas: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-humanitarian-framework/uk-humanitarian-framework.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support international peacekeeping efforts.

In the set of questions submitted by the Hon Member on 12 January (UIN 105089-91 and 105093-95), she mentioned a number of important elements of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO's) humanitarian and development programmes, all of which are key priorities for the Government, including our work on conflict prevention and resolution, crisis resilience, support for children in conflict zones, and the fights against global malnutrition and climate change.

We provide regular updates to the House on the work we are doing in different regions towards these goals, as well as our joint international efforts through the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. The Hon Member can also find a copy of the FCDO's current humanitarian framework at the link below, which gives a good overview of our approach in all these areas: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-humanitarian-framework/uk-humanitarian-framework.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with the Scottish Government on the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement with Ukraine.

The Government's policy in relation to Ukraine, as with other aspects of the UK's foreign affairs and international relations, is a reserved matter under the terms of the Scotland Act 1998.

However, as several policy pillars of the 100‑Year Partnership fall within areas of devolved responsibility UK Government officials have engaged with counterparts in the devolved administrations to ensure that devolved implications are understood and that implementation in devolved areas proceeds smoothly.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will hold discussions with her Irish counterpart on undertaking joint efforts to identify Russia, Iranian and Venezuelan registered oil tankers in British and Irish waters that may be avoiding sanctions on oil.

The UK and Ireland continue to discuss how we can improve our security cooperation, including maritime and cyber security. On 3 December, the Foreign Secretary spoke to her counterpart Helen McEntee, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, about defence, security and other matters.

That follows the commitments made by the Prime Minister and Taoiseach at the UK-Ireland Summit in March 2025 to deepen defence cooperation.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 16 December 2025 to Question 98592, what independent audit firm the Palestinian Authority has contracted to complete the review of curriculum reform; and which grades that audit will cover.

It will be for the Palestinian Authority to publish the full details of their audit, including the firm hired to conduct it, and we will assess the reliability of that audit based on the information published.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, by how much they plan to reduce their Department's budget to help fund the digital ID scheme.

Digital Identity policy is in development, with a dedicated team inside the Cabinet Office working to develop the proposals.

Costs in this Spending Review period will be met within the existing Spending Review settlements.

We are inviting the public to have their say in the upcoming consultation as we develop a safe, secure, and inclusive system for the UK. No final decisions will be made until after the consultation.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support de-escalation between the Syrian transitional Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

The UK welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Aleppo between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces. We are concerned by reports of further violence. It is vital that all parties now focus on de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and a return to dialogue. We continue to engage with both sides, as well as regional and international partners, in support of the ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations to deliver a lasting political settlement.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her Nigerian counterpart on attacks on civilians in Benue and Nasarawa states. Nigeria.

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement of 27 November 2025.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help secure the release of Craig and Lindsay Foreman from detention in Iran.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement the Foreign Secretary made to the House on 13 January, and to my own statement on 5 January, and let me assure her that consular staff are continuing to work on this case remotely while our Embassy in Tehran remains temporarily closed.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the level of persecution of Christians in Eritrea.

The Government consistently raises human rights with the Eritrean government, including religious freedoms. We advocate for the end of discriminatory detentions based on religion or belief, as we have stated at the UN Human Rights Council. We call for all those unjustly incarcerated to be released. The UK's Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea raised human rights during her most recent visit to Eritrea in December 2025 and the UK supports the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea, voting in favour of his mandate renewal in July 2025.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 7 January to Question 102465, on North Africa: Refugees, when her Department last assessed the effectiveness of her Department's existing migration prevention work in North Africa.

All aspects of the Department's work are kept under continuous review, in all regions of the world, particularly on priority issues such as the fight against illegal migration.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to assist British Iranians to access information about the welfare of family members in Iran.

I refer my Hon Friend to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on 13 January, and her responses to the questions raised in the subsequent debate. I can also reassure my Hon Friend that staff from the British embassy in Tehran are continuing to discharge their duties remotely while the embassy is temporarily closed.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with international partners on coordinated efforts to promote human rights in Iran.

I refer my Hon Friend to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on 13 January, and her responses to the questions raised in the subsequent debate. I can also reassure my Hon Friend that staff from the British embassy in Tehran are continuing to discharge their duties remotely while the embassy is temporarily closed.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with international allies to secure a long-term ceasefire in Lebanon and encourage the disarmament of Hezbollah.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 20 November in response to Question 91653.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 88259, what discussions has she or her officials had with MOD counterparts regarding the coordination of ODA allocations across their two departments.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer she was provided on 17 November 2025 in response to Question 88261.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 88261, what estimate has she made of the number of existing multilateral partnerships and their comparative effectiveness in delivery aid.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer she was provided on 17 November 2025 in response to Question 88261.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 88260. what mechanisms are in place to assess the effectiveness of ODA funded programmes which focus on countering disinformation and destabilisation in the Western Balkans.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer she was provided on 17 November 2025 in response to Question 88261.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with international partners to apply diplomatic pressure on Iran in response to the use of force against protesters.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on 13 January, and her responses to the questions raised in the subsequent debate.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking through the United Nations to support the rights of peaceful protesters in Iran, including efforts to (a) monitor and (b) document alleged human rights violations.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on 13 January, and her responses to the questions raised in the subsequent debate.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with international partners to (a) oppose the use of nationwide internet shutdowns by the Iranian authorities during protests, and (b) to support access to information for protesters.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on 13 January, and her responses to the questions raised in the subsequent debate.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support the recovery of Sri Lanka from Cyclone Ditwah.

The UK Government is deeply concerned about the extensive damage and distress caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. The British High Commissioner in Colombo has been in regular contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Disaster Management Centre, and the UN Resident Coordinator to monitor the situation and understand emerging needs.

We have allocated £1 million of humanitarian support through the Red Cross, UN partners and civil society organisations to support immediate humanitarian assistance.

The UK is tracking the situation closely and remains in regular contact with the Sri Lankan authorities and humanitarian partners.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government will call for the removal of Chinese sanctions on British parliamentarians during the proposed trip to Beijing

The Prime Minister's travel will be confirmed in the usual way.

This Government is taking a consistent, long term and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. We will co-operate where we can and challenge where we must.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if the Government will call for the removal of bounties placed on Hong Kong democracy activists living in the UK during the proposed trips to Beijing.

The Prime Minister's travel will be confirmed in the usual way.

This Government is taking a consistent, long term and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. We will co-operate where we can and challenge where we must.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether conditions haven been made as a prerequisite by his Chinese counterparts in advance of the Prime Minister’s trip to Beijing.

The Prime Minister's travel will be confirmed in the usual way.

This Government is taking a consistent, long term and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. We will co-operate where we can and challenge where we must.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the continued delivery of aid in (a) Gaza and (b) the West Bank.

I refer the Hon Member to my statement on 5 January.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the humanitarian situation in (a) Gaza and (b) the West Bank.

I refer the Hon Member to my statement on 5 January.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2026 to Question 104386 on China: Embassies, if she will provide hyperlinks and document references for her Department's letters on the Royal Mint Court planning process dated 20 August and 27 November 2025.

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer provided on 29 October in response to Question 84208.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to her international counterparts on respect for freedom of religion or belief among political leaders.

The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) around the world. On 8 July 2025, the UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, set out the Government's new strategy on FoRB, providing a framework for engagement with other countries, and describing the links between the protection of FoRB and other goals including the prevention of conflict. As part of this strategy, the UK continues to support FoRB on the international stage, through our position in the United Nations, G7 and Article 18 Alliance.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 1 December 2025 on UK–EU Relations, HCWS1114, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for UK national security of not reaching agreement on enhanced UK participation in the SAFE instrument; and what steps her Department is taking to help mitigate capability and interoperability gaps with EU partners.

The matters raised by the Rt Hon Member are primarily for the Cabinet Office who were responsible for the written statement to which her questions refer, and the Ministry of Defence who are the responsible department for defence industrial matters.

We however continue to deepen and strengthen our cooperation with the EU on a range of related matters - including in tackling hybrid threats - via our new Security and Defence Partnership. Our relationships through NATO of course remain the bedrock of our security and defence.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Security and Defence Partnership outlined in HCWS1114 on 1 December 2025, how the Government intends to ensure that cooperation on tackling hybrid threats, supporting Ukraine, and promoting stability in the Western Balkans will be maintained and strengthened without a bilateral SAFE agreement.

The matters raised by the Rt Hon Member are primarily for the Cabinet Office who were responsible for the written statement to which her questions refer, and the Ministry of Defence who are the responsible department for defence industrial matters.

We however continue to deepen and strengthen our cooperation with the EU on a range of related matters - including in tackling hybrid threats - via our new Security and Defence Partnership. Our relationships through NATO of course remain the bedrock of our security and defence.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to HCWS1114 on 1 December 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of limiting UK defence industrial content to 35 per cent of SAFE-funded projects on (a) sovereign capability, (b) export competitiveness and (c) supply-chain resilience across the UK defence sector.

The matters raised by the Rt Hon Member are primarily for the Cabinet Office who were responsible for the written statement to which her questions refer, and the Ministry of Defence who are the responsible department for defence industrial matters.

We however continue to deepen and strengthen our cooperation with the EU on a range of related matters - including in tackling hybrid threats - via our new Security and Defence Partnership. Our relationships through NATO of course remain the bedrock of our security and defence.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with NATO allies on ensuring that UK–EU defence cooperation, including through the Security and Defence Partnership referenced in HCWS1114 on 1 December 2025, complements NATO planning, procurement and capability development.

The matters raised by the Rt Hon Member are primarily for the Cabinet Office who were responsible for the written statement to which her questions refer, and the Ministry of Defence who are the responsible department for defence industrial matters.

We however continue to deepen and strengthen our cooperation with the EU on a range of related matters - including in tackling hybrid threats - via our new Security and Defence Partnership. Our relationships through NATO of course remain the bedrock of our security and defence.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of democratic situation in Georgia.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 July 2025 to Question 66922, and I can confirm that in December 2024, the UK suspended all programme support to the Georgian government.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much funding her Department (a) has provided to support democratic governance in Georgia in each of the last three financial years, and (b) plans to spend in the financial year 2026/27.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 July 2025 to Question 66922, and I can confirm that in December 2024, the UK suspended all programme support to the Georgian government.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help tackle hunger and malnutrition across Africa through the Africa Strategy.

The UK's new Approach to Africa sets out how we are building respectful long-term partnerships with African countries to deliver shared priorities. Through our support for the Global Compact on Nutrition Integration, the Child Nutrition Fund, and other initiatives, the UK is continuing to play a leading role in tackling hunger and malnutrition in Africa and beyond, as set out in the answers previously provided to Questions 89032 (18 November 2025), 35685 (14 March 2025) and 28246 (11 February 2025).

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to hold Iran to account for the repression of protesters.

The killing and brutal repression of peaceful protesters in Iran is horrific. Iranians must be able to exercise their right to peaceful protest without fear of reprisal.

The Iranian government must immediately end the violence, uphold fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure British nationals are safe. The Foreign Secretary made this very clear when she spoke with the Iranian Foreign Minister on 12 January, and I did likewise when we summoned the Iranian Ambassador the following day.

We are working closely with our partners to ensure the Iranian regime is held accountable for its violent repression and systematic human rights abuses against its own people.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help protect children in Iran from actions taken by the Iranian authorities.

The killing and brutal repression of peaceful protesters in Iran is horrific. Iranians must be able to exercise their right to peaceful protest without fear of reprisal.

The Iranian government must immediately end the violence, uphold fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure British nationals are safe. The Foreign Secretary made this very clear when she spoke with the Iranian Foreign Minister on 12 January, and I did likewise when we summoned the Iranian Ambassador the following day.

We are working closely with our partners to ensure the Iranian regime is held accountable for its violent repression and systematic human rights abuses against its own people.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the UK's level of participation in global disability rights and inclusion activities.

The UK has been a long-standing supporter of disability rights around the world, and our global programmes are supporting disability inclusion in health, education and employment, as well as access to innovative assistive technology.

As well as building disability inclusion into the work we are doing across all Foreign Office priorities, the UK is co-chairing the Global Action on Disability Network, which will strengthen international coordination on disability rights and accelerate progress.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to support the sovereignty of NATO allies.

The UK is steadfast in its commitment to NATO. For over 75 years, NATO has kept us safe, prosperous and united.

Last week, the Foreign Secretary visited the Arctic Circle, where she emphasised that Arctic security is a critical transatlantic partnership issue for the security of the UK and NATO, and that we will tackle this emerging threat as an alliance.

We are committed to upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders.

Europeans continue to take greater responsibility for their own security, including through historic increases in defence spending.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to help prevent the detention of children from Gaza and the West Bank by the Israeli military.

We are deeply concerned about the detention of Palestinian children by the Israeli military and about allegations of abuse against those children, including sexual violence.

The UK calls for all such reports to be fully investigated. The arrest and detention of children must follow due process, in line with international juvenile justice standards.

We also call on all parties to the conflict to grant the International Committee of the Red Cross immediate and unfettered access.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the Falkland Islands on the potential impact of trade tariffs on its economy.

We are proud of the bond that the United Kingdom shares with the Falkland Islands as part of one Great British family, and we deeply value the relationship between our governments.

I was pleased to speak with the new Assembly within a week of their election, and my officials have been engaging with the new representatives on their priorities, one of which is obviously trade.

It is a matter of fact that the Brexit deal reached by the party opposite excluded the Overseas Territories, and we recognise the challenges EU trade tariffs pose for the Falkland Islands economy. But we are working with the Department for Business and Trade to promote Falklands trade in the UK and other markets.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the need for humanitarian aid in Syria.

The humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire, with over 16.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and 90% of the population in poverty.

The UK is delivering up to £104 million of life-saving aid this year, and supporting longer-term recovery through education, health and livelihoods programmes.

We are also responding to emergencies, including providing humanitarian and medical supplies to those displaced by the recent violence in northern Aleppo.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the government of Israel on its approval of the E1 settlement plan in occupied East Jerusalem.

Tackling illegal settlement expansion and settler violence are vital to protecting a two-state solution.

Israel must stop settlement expansion and crack down on settler violence, which has reached record levels.

Alongside 26 international partners, we have condemned the E1 settlement plan and we condemn the recent steps to further that plan. We urge Israel to listen to the weight of international opinion on this issue, rather than lessen the prospects for long-term peace.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the steps Israel is taking to establish the E1 settlement in the occupied West Bank.

Tackling illegal settlement expansion and settler violence are vital to protecting a two-state solution.

Israel must stop settlement expansion and crack down on settler violence, which has reached record levels.

Alongside 26 international partners, we have condemned the E1 settlement plan and we condemn the recent steps to further that plan. We urge Israel to listen to the weight of international opinion on this issue, rather than lessen the prospects for long-term peace.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the political situation in Georgia.

Democracy in Georgia is under threat, and we are working closely with our European allies to respond to that concern.

Last October, I reiterated my concerns to Georgian Foreign Minister Botchorishvili over democratic backsliding, opposition arrests and attacks on allied Ambassadors.

We urge Georgia’s leadership to reverse repressive legislation, release political prisoners, and return the country to a democratic path.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Jan 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington 13 January 2026 (HL13296), what plans they have to support the network of Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth in 2026.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office discontinued funding to this specific programme at the end of the 2024/25 financial year, but - as set out in my previous answers - we remain committed to UK leadership in driving forward the Women, Peace and Security agenda, through other programmes in the Commonwealth and beyond, and through our role as penholder on UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)